This 21 day South Island New Zealand itinerary showcases the very best of the spectacular South Island.

South Island Showcase 21 Day New Zealand Itinerary

If time (and budget)permit, this itinerary will take you from the northern tip, to the very southern reaches of the South Island.

If you really want to see as much as you can of the South Island, then this New Zealand 21 day South Island itinerary will suit you.

My suggested South Island Showcase 21 day New Zealand itinerary is:

Day 1.

Arrive in Christchurch. There are numerous motels close to the international airport, so collect your hire car, check into your Christchurch hotel , and have a sound nights sleep, because your adventure begins tomorrow.

Day 2.

Today on your New Zealand itinerary, take your time to explore Christchurch. Christchurch has a very "English" feel to it, and even has the river Avon running through it. Perhaps a trip on the gondola, or a drive to the sea side "French" settlement of Akaroa, located nearby on the beautiful Bank's Peninsula. Another great attraction is the International Antarctic Centre located near Christchurch airport. Try the wind chill room. Brrr!

There are lots of things to do in Christchurch .

Day 3.

Take the short drive (1.5 hours) north to the thermal village of Hanmer Springs. Hanmer has a large thermal pool complex, with pools of varying temperatures. What a relaxing way to spend a few hours. The complex also houses a water slide complex for the kids and the young at heart.

Hanmer Springs also has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. Click on the following link to view a range of Hanmer Springs hotels.

Day 4.

There are so many highlights on your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary, and this is one of them.












Today you head off to the stunning coastal town of Kaikoura (2 hours).

Kaikoura is famous for it's seafood, whale watching, seal colony, and scenery, where the mountains seem to come all the way down to the sea. In the colder months the peaks are covered in snow, providing some amazing photo opportunities.

When staying in Kaikoura we always like to stay on the waterfront. Browse your Kaikoura hotel choices here.

Day 5.

Today is the day to take a whale watching trip. Best to do it early in the morning before the wind and seas pick up. The whale watch Kaikoura tours are well run, and very enjoyable. You may also see dolphins, seals, and other marine life.

Day 6.

Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you from Kaikoura to Nelson and the Tasman region . Nelson is a "largish" town of around 50,000 people, perfectly located on the shores of Tasman Bay. In the winter months, snow caps the surrounding ranges.

Nelson is also the gateway to the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Access to the park is via the small bayside village of Marahau, which is about 1 hours drive from Nelson.

View Nelson hotels.

Days 7 & 8.

You have two full days to explore the Nelson region. The Abel Tasman National Park is a "must see". You can choose to take a short walk in the park, overnight walks, or

a kayak trip. Nelson also has a vibrant wine industry, so perhaps a visit to a local winery? If your plans include a trip to the Abel Tasman, take the time to visit the stunning little village of Kaiteriteri. A beautiful spot for a snack looking over the bay.

If time permits, a trip to Golden Bay and Farewell Spit is also recommended. On the way stop off at Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs).

The Nelson region is another truly stunning part of New Zealand. Enjoy.

Day 9.

Today your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary takes you from Nelson on the north coast, to Punakaiki (3.5 hours)on the rugged West Coast NZ. Punakaiki is known for the Pancake Rocks and blowhole. The rocks are columns of limestone, which resemble stacks of pancakes. Punakaiki is surrounded by the Paparoa National Park, which covers some 30,000 hectares.

Punakaiki has a couple of accommodation options, but my favourite is the Punakaiki Resort,

a beautiful sea side hotel located beachfront. Your room looks directly over the ocean, and the excellent restaurant offers you the chance to watch the sun setting over the ocean. A great way to end the day.

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Punakaiki Resort.

Day 10.

Today takes you from Punakaiki to Franz Josef village (2.5 hours drive). The village has many accommodation options, and is the base for various tour operators. Franz Josef Glacier ( a World Heritage Area) drops from a height of 2,700 metres above sea level, to about 240 metres above sea level, within a distance of 11 kilometres, making for spectacular viewing.

When you arrive in the village, check out the options for tours, as you may need to book ahead for day 11. Also be aware that weather conditions change quickly in this part of New Zealand, so your itinerary allows a full day free tomorrow for flexibility when booking tours.

When in Franz Josef we always stay at Punga Grove. Clean, comfortable accommodation and close to pubs, restaurants, and the hot pool complex.

Day 11.

Today on your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary you are free to explore Franz Josef (and nearby Fox Glacier). There are various options for guided tours, helicopter flights etc. The heli flight and landing on the top of the glacier is highly recommended (if a little expensive).

If you are looking for something a little more sedate, a walk to the face of Franz Josef Glacier may be more to your liking. Make sure that you take a comfortable pair of shoes as the walk takes around 1.5 hours return from the carpark.

Fox Glacier is also nearby.

Day 12.

Today's drive takes you along the west coast to the small village of Haast, then inland to the lovely lakeside township of Wanaka NZ.

Wanaka is a highlight of your New Zealand itinerary. Wanaka is, in many ways, similar to Queenstown. It sits on the banks of a stunning lake, Lake Wanaka, and is a base for the two world class skifields, Cardrona and Treble Cone. Wanaka feels a little more relaxed than Queenstown, and the layout of the town centre seems less cluttered. Dining options abound along the lake front, and provide the perfect setting for a relaxing coffee.

Wanaka hotels.

There is plenty to see and do in Wanaka, with attractions like Puzzling World, the historic Cardrona pub, trout fishing, and 4wd tours to name a few.

The Cardrona Pub is a wonderful place to relax with a meal and a local wine or beer. In the warmer months, it has a large grassed outdoor eating area, and in the cooler months, a roaring open fire to warm you.

Puzzling World is great fun. Adults and kids will love the huge range of hands on puzzles, optical illusions and the maze.

Wanaka has many accommodation options, but a lake view is well worth the extra money if your budget allows.

Day 13.

Today takes us to Queenstown New Zealand , the "Adventure Capital" of New Zealand.

You can view a selection of Queenstown activities here. There are two roads from Wanaka to Queenstown. The road through Cromwell takes around 1.5 hours, and is fairly uninspiring by New Zealand standards. Much better to take the shorter (1 hour) drive via Cardrona, over the Crown Range. The views are stunning, and the road is claimed to be the highest main road in the country. If you have time, stop off at the historic Cardrona hotel for morning tea or lunch.

Check in to your Queenstown accommodation then get ready to explore this amazing part of New Zealand.

Days 14 & 15.

Queenstown is one of the highlights of your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary.

Well, where to start with Queenstown! There seems to be an endless supply of Queenstown activities on offer. This is one of my favourite New Zealand destinations. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers something for everyone. You can do as little, or as much as you like.

At the top of most New Zealand holidays are Milford Sound tours. The trip from Queenstown is around 4 hours each way, which makes for a very long and tiring day if you drive yourself. Much better to take an organised bus tour, or bus one way and fly the other (flights are very much dependant on weather conditions). Milford Sound has been described as the eighth Wonder of the World, and is New Zealand's most popular tourist attraction.

Other things at the top of the "Queenstown list" are a trip on the Gondola to Bob's peak, a cruise on lake Wakatipu on the old steamer TSS Earnslaw, a thrilling jet boat ride, or perhaps a bungy jump.

Day 16.

Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you to the southern city of Invercargill (2.5 hours). Invercargill is located on the Southern Scenic Route, and is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand. It is the gateway to Stewart Island and the Catlins. Invercargill has several museums and art galleries, and a short drive away is Bluff, home of the famous Bluff Oyster. Stewart Island is the third largest New Zealand island, and is located 30 kilometres (19 miles) off the southern coast. The ferry trip from Bluff takes around 1 hour each way. Stewart Island has many interesting nature walks, and spectacular scenery.

View Invercargill accommodation here.

For things to do in and around Invercargill, click here.

Days 17 & 18.

Today, your New Zealand itinerary takes you to Dunedin (around 2.5 hours drive).

Dunedin is the South Island's second largest city, with a population of about 120,000. Dunedin is a university town, attracting students from many countries.

Dunedin has a Scottish heritage, and in fact was formerly known as New Edinburgh. This Scottish influence can be seen in the local Edwardian architecture, such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Town Hall, Dunedin Railwat Station, and the historic Larnach Castle, located some 13 kilometres from the city centre. Claimed to be New Zealand's only castle, it is well worth a visit if you are in Dunedin (you can even stay there).

Hotels In Dunedin.

Dunedin also houses New Zealand's first Botanic Gardens, and is home to a wide range of marine and birdlife.

Day 19.

Your South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary continues today with the drive to Mt Cook (4 hours drive).

Mt Cook New Zealand (Aoraki) is New Zealand's highest peak at 3,753 metres, and is part of Mt Cook National Park, which also contains the mighty Tasman Glacier. At 30 kilometres in length, it is one of the largest glaciers outside the Himalayas.

Mt Cook village has several accommodation options and is also home to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which is located in the Hermitage Hotel complex. Other things to do include hiking (check on weather conditions before leaving), glacier flights and walks, and just lazing around looking in awe at Mt Cook. Mt Cook will be a highlight of your New Zealand itinerary.

Day 20.

Your final car trip today is a 4 hour drive back to Christchurch.

Along the way, stop off at Lake Tekapo for a view of the unbelievable turquoise waters of the lake. The Southern Alps, including Mt Cook, form a backdrop, and provide a memorable photo opportunity. Tekapo is also home to the Church of the Good Shepherd, which must be one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand.

Day 21

Fly home.

Unfortunately, all good things must end, but I hope that this South Island Showcase New Zealand itinerary has been helpful. Enjoy.


South Island Showcase 21 Day New Zealand Itinerary Route Map


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